The UN Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily has called on Libyan parties to ensure that oil is not used as a weapon in ongoing conflicts, or dragged into any political or social disputes.
Bathily tweeted these comments following his meeting with the Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), Farhat Bengdara. The tweet, shared by UNSMIL, emphasised the vital role of oil in Libya’s economy.
During his meeting with Bengdara, Bathily stressed the “extreme importance of maintaining the unity, neutrality, and integrity of the NOC. He acknowledged the NOC as a vital and fundamental pillar in supporting the Libyan economy. Additionally, the urgent need to keep the oil sector away from political polarization.
According to a statement by the NOC, Bathily assured Bengdara of the United Nations’ support for efforts to maintain the production and export of oil. He affirmed the vital role of the NOC as a fundamental institution for the Libyan economy and its stability.
This plea for the protection of the oil sector reiterates the UN’s ongoing commitment to promoting stability, and neutrality in Libya. As the nation’s economic linchpin, the integrity of Libya’s oil production and exportation is essential for the country’s recovery, and future prosperity.
Notably, Bathily, reiterated his support for the financial oversight mechanism of the Presidential Council during a meeting with its Head, Mohamed Al-Mnifi. Bathily commended the Financial Oversight Mechanism established based on consensual consultations.
In a series of tweets, Bathily stressed the importance of other institutions following this model of inclusiveness.
Bathily mentioned that he discussed with Al-Mnifi the urgent need to find middle-ground solutions that pave the way for comprehensive elections in Libya. The current political developments in the country were also reviewed.
